Josh Brookes has taken a second MCE British Superbike Championship win of the season after emerging victorious in an occasionally heart-stopping exchange between himself and his four title rivals.

An outstanding display of close riding, Brookes, together with John Hopkins, Michael Laverty, Tommy Hill, Shane Byrne, Peter Hickman and Jon Kirkham, battled hard for the leading positions, the group of seven barely separated from start to finish.

Indeed, four riders would share the lead over the course of the race before Brookes eventually pushed to the front, the Australian – who had started from pole position – arguably having to work the hardest after dropping as low as seventh at one stage.

At this point it was race one winner Hopkins that led the way having edged ahead of initial leader Michael Laverty on the first lap. However, the American was unable to stretch them out, Hopkins falling victim to a charging Shane Byrne on lap five as he slipped up the inside at Stowe.

Similarly though, Byrne was not the rider capable of breaking the tow, with Hopkins simply coming back through again on lap seven. By this stage, Brookes was up to fourth place after dispatching of Laverty, the Ulsterman having slipped behind his team-mate Tommy Hill after making an error on lap six.

Brookes's 'relentless' charge would haul him up to third on lap eight after Byrne was forced to sit up in avoidance of hitting Hopkins at the end of the Hangar Straight. It was enough to quell his momentum and he wouldn't return to the lead fight.

Up ahead, Hill nudged ahead of a race for the first time this weekend as he dived through on the entrance to Village on lap nine. Brookes followed through, only for Hopkins to snatch back the initiative by the end of the lap.

However, Brookes tried again on lap ten, mimicking Hill by passing Hopkins for second at Village and setting off in pursuit of Hill.

During this time, the seven remained closely matched, each jostling for position, without once making contact with one another.

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Brilliant race! Shame we were robbed of the last lap but great racing! Its so much better when there's a bunch battling away than a procession! Well done to Josh Brookes he deserved to win but I reckon after Brands the new champion will be the Hopper !